Mattress Forum

Too-firm mattress causing back pain - exchange for plush mattress or get toppers?
Oct 28, 2010 10:43 AM
adamjs
Joined: Oct 28, 2010
Points: 8
Hi,

First, thanks for this forum - it's a great resource.  I only wish I'd discovered it a few weeks ago!

At any rate, I recently purchased a new Simmons beautyrest firm, non-pillowtop mattress (yes, I'm aware of the concerns about Simmons, but apparently the firm mattresses use a heavier gauge wire in the coils less prone to sagging).  The mattress is uncomfortably firm, and I believe it is seriously exacerbating my previously-mild lower back pain.   I read in the very helpful newbie thread that one should always get the firmest mattress possible and then add toppers as needed, but my concern is that a too-firm mattress isn't allowing my hips and shoulders (I'm a side sleeper) to sink sufficiently to keep my spine aligned (and there appears to be some support [no pun intended!] for this hypothesis: http://www.webmd.com/back-pain/news/20031113/best-mattress-for-lower-back-pain).  I did try a 3 inch memory foam topper (fairly dense) and it seemed to help but could only tolerate one night due to it being way too hot. 

I am thus considering availing myself of Sleepy's exchange policy to get a less firm mattress (probably sleep to live, which I know gets quite a few negative reviews, or a plus simmons, which will be more prone to sagging than the firm one I currently have).  The other option is to try other toppers.  I have a few questions:

- I understand that toppers can alleviate pressure points in a firm mattress, but will toppers also allow enough sinking to ensure proper spinal alignment?  Might a plush mattress be better, not for comfort but for alignment?

- I've seen "cool" MF topper advertised - does anyone have actual experience with MF toppers that slept cool?

- Would a latex topper be a better choice?  I know it wouldn't have the head issue , but would it allow enough sinking to ensure proper alignment?  Any other topper recommendations?

Any other thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. 

Thanks!
This message was modified Oct 28, 2010 by adamjs
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